Emotional Creatures

Much of what we do in terms of academic pursuits and other areas is an attempt to learn more about ourselves. Sometimes we diverge a little to learn about the world or the universe in which we live, but most of it is usually done with the ultimate goal of figuring out how we, as human beings, fit into this picture. As a result many issues and discussions arise: How are we, as human beings, going to stop climate change? save a species from extinction? control forest fires? How is our species going to save the world? As a child I often thought, well why are humans necessarily going to be the ones to save the world? Maybe the orca whales will find a solution first that'll be bigger and better than anything we have ever imagined! You may call me naive, but I honestly used to think that (and I used to - and still do - have an odd reverence for orca whales). 

Why is it that we think that we're the ones with the solutions to the 'problems' that surround us? Why is it that we think we have the authority to even label these changes as 'problems'? And ultimately, what is it that sets us apart from all the other living creatures on this planet? 
I'm not sure whether there is one specific answer to this question; I guess it depends on the perspective you take, whether it is biological, psychological, etc. However, I think that one answer is the concept of Emotional Intelligence, or maturity. 


I'm not saying that species other than our own are unable to be emotionally intelligent; in fact, most other species have a very deep sense of emotional intelligence and are very attuned to the feelings and well-being of their peers. However, the difference lies in how we deal with unexpected circumstances. Human beings can utilize their emotional intelligence to respond to these situations using methods apart from animal instincts.


Therefore, emotional intelligence, to me, is best portrayed through one's ability to be flexible and adaptable in the face of new and different circumstances. It is that element of 'improvisation' when dealing with people, situations, and other aspects that some consider challenges, but that people with high emotional intelligence see as being part of their routine. Whether it is the example of the botched presentation given in the article or an unexpected complication, an emotionally intelligent individual is able modify their approach in dealing with the situation at hand.




I was part of a workshop a couple years ago on Leadership, and the presenter was talking to us about ‘styles of leadership’. They listed a few styles that are associated with the level of freedom that a leader would accord to their followers. In my opinion, this was too scientific of a manner of trying to teach leadership. Perhaps it was necessary at the time so that we could have some tools to reflect on if ever we were met with an unforeseen circumstance so that we could attempt to make a proper decision. However, I think that an emotionally intelligent leader is one who doesn't need to reflect on all of these intricacies; making these decisions, transforming and modifying their approach, comes naturally to them. It's not an academic concept, despite the fact that we've had to do readings on it; rather, it's an experiential concept that can only be developed through practice overtime.

Through this internship, I have been exposed to a new culture, a new language, a new lifestyle. Though I am somewhat familiar with certain aspects of the culture, there are other aspects that are completely foreign to me, particularly the language. In dealing with people in my workplace who have no (or limited) knowledge of English, I have to be very perceptive and ‘emotionally intelligent’ in dealing with them, paying attention to body language, tone, and other tools apart from spoken language.

Additionally, emotional intelligence, or maturity, though discussed here in the context of leadership, applies to every aspect of our lives and the way we constantly deal with situation that we are presented with.